Let’s talk about Group B now which will be shared by England, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, and West Indies.
England
England team has a mix of young and experienced players. Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers, Freya Davies will look for their impressive global debuts. The experienced members will have the task to carry the team forward. Consistency has been a key for England team but under new coach, Lisa Keightley they can hope for betterment. Moreover, England won the last 50-over World Cup as well which is an added pressure and they must perform according to the expectations. Heather Knight, the skipper hence has a crucial role to play. Fortunately, she is in good touch as well.
Key players: Heather Knight, Nat Sciver
Squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield, Fran Wilson, Danni Wyatt, Mady Villiers
Pakistan
Pakistan never made it to the next stage of earlier editions of the tournament. Their six wins and 18 defeats include two wins against India. This means they can be deadly on their day. Since the last T20 World Cup Pakistan have been done pretty well which will motivate them in this World Cup. There are iconic names like Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Javeria Khan but the absence of Sana Mir can be proved to be vital. Pakistan are sharing group with England, West Indies, South Africa, and Thailand and they have to win at least two of their group matches.
Key players: Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar
Squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Muneeba Ali, Anam Amin, Aiman Anwer, Diana Baig, Nida Dar, Sadia Iqbal, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Ayesha Naseem, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, Umaima Sohail.
South Africa
South Africans could manage to reach the knockout stage only once in the previous six editions. Their records are not any amusing and moreover, they are dealing with a number of injury issues this time. The star-studded top order is an advantage but there is lack of productivity down the order. Since the West Indies 2018, players like Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk and Trisha Chetty have been facing the injury problems are yet to be fine. While the group does not seem to be very easy, the Proteas will play their last group match against West Indies which can be decider.
Key players: Laura Wolvaardt, Dan van Niekerk
Thailand
Thailand Women came to the main tournament through the Qualifiers. They lost the final to Bangladesh but that does not really justify their performance ad consistency. Thailand finished 2019 with more wins than any other country. Thailand can only be worried about the lack of experience and consistency a team needs at this level. They are unlikely to win any match in this edition but an upset is not unexpected.
Key players: Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham
Squad: Somnarin Tippoch (c), Nattaya Boochatham (vc), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk) Chanida Sutthiruang, Naruemol Chaiwai, Nattakan Chantam, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Suwanan Khiaoto, Suleeporn Laomi, Soraya Lateh, Wongpaka Liengprasert, Phannita Maya, Ratanaporn Padunglerd, Thipatcha Putthawong.
West Indies
The T20 World Cup in 2016 saw what the West Indies team can do. They will get the serive of Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, the all-time great all-rounders in the format. The other team member might not give much hope but the fact they West Indies are in Group B will make their fans optimistic. Group B is definitely easier than the other one and West Indies are set to start the campaign with two comfortable wins against Thailand and South Africa if all goes well. Then their last fixture against the Proteas might turn to a quarterfinal.
Key players: Deandra Dottin, An